ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse wants to head a project to improve medication administration on their unit. They work with other nurses on the unit to find evidence-based practice. What type of a research project is this?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: QI (Quality Improvement). In this scenario, the nurse is leading a project to improve medication administration, which aligns with the goals of a QI project. The focus is on implementing evidence-based practices to enhance patient care outcomes. QI projects aim to make systematic changes to improve processes and outcomes within a healthcare setting. A: Qualitative research focuses on exploring experiences, perceptions, and meanings, rather than making systematic improvements to processes. B: PICOT is a framework used to formulate research questions for evidence-based practice projects, not a type of research project. C: Mixed methods research involves combining qualitative and quantitative methods, which is not the same as leading a QI project to improve medication administration.
Question 2 of 9
When considering the goals of complementary and alternative medicines, which patient would be of particular interest to researchers studying advances in symptom management?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because chronic pain related to a neck injury is a common condition that complementary and alternative medicines often aim to address through symptom management. Researchers studying advances in this area would be interested in patients with chronic pain as they provide an opportunity to explore the effectiveness of alternative treatments. Choice B is incorrect because acute gastrointestinal infections are typically managed through conventional medical interventions, rather than complementary or alternative medicines. Choice C is incorrect as gestational diabetes in pregnant women requires close monitoring and management by medical professionals, making it less likely to be a focus for researchers studying advances in complementary and alternative medicines for symptom management. Choice D is incorrect because surgery for a clubbed foot is a condition that is usually addressed through surgical interventions and physical therapy, rather than complementary or alternative medicines for symptom management.
Question 3 of 9
A patient is referred to a psychosocial rehabilitation program. When explaining this type of care to the patient, the nurse would emphasize which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Services that promote the patient's reintegration into the community. This option is correct because psychosocial rehabilitation programs focus on providing support and services that help individuals with mental health conditions to reintegrate into the community and improve their quality of life. These programs aim to help patients develop skills for independent living, social relationships, and vocational functioning. A: Intensive treatment that prepares the patient to live in the community - This option is not the best answer as psychosocial rehabilitation programs focus more on promoting reintegration rather than intensive treatment. C: Detoxification services for alcohol and drugs in an outpatient setting - This option is incorrect as psychosocial rehabilitation programs do not primarily focus on detoxification services but rather on broader aspects of recovery. D: Frequent monitoring within a therapeutic milieu for relapse prevention - While relapse prevention is important, it is not the primary focus of psychosocial rehabilitation programs, making this option less relevant compared to promoting community reintegration.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse providing discharge teaching to the client who has schizophrenia and is starting therapy with clozapine. Which of the following is the highest priority for the client to report to the provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fever. This is the highest priority for the client to report because fever can indicate a serious side effect called agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition associated with clozapine therapy. Agranulocytosis can lead to severe infections due to low white blood cell count. It is crucial to monitor for fever as an early sign of this condition to prevent complications. A: Constipation - While constipation can be a side effect of clozapine, it is not as urgent as fever in this context. B: Blurred vision - Blurred vision is a common side effect of clozapine but is not typically considered a medical emergency. D: Dry mouth - Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications, including clozapine, and is not as concerning as fever in this scenario.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse is assessing a client who has received a tentative diagnosis of delirium. The nurse is explaining to the family about the major cause of the client's condition. Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of altered consciousness. Delirium is an acute condition that manifests quickly, unlike dementia which is more gradual. The sudden change in consciousness is a key factor in diagnosing delirium. Choice A is incorrect as talking normally is not a primary diagnostic criterion for delirium. Choice B is incorrect as gradual confusion over time is more indicative of dementia rather than delirium. Choice D is incorrect as exposure to an infectious agent is not a primary cause for delirium, although it could contribute in some cases.
Question 6 of 9
Personality disorders often co-occur with mood and eating disorders. A young woman is undergoing treatment at an eating disorders clinic and her nurse suspects the patient may also have a Cluster B personality disorder due to the young woman's:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dramatic response to frustration. This is indicative of a Cluster B personality disorder, which includes traits such as emotional instability and impulsivity. People with Cluster B personality disorders often display intense and exaggerated emotional responses to situations like frustration. Choices A, C, and D do not specifically align with the characteristics of Cluster B personality disorders, making them incorrect. A reflects symptoms of an eating disorder, C is related to compulsive behavior, and D describes traits more commonly associated with mood disorders.
Question 7 of 9
A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The Central Intelligence Agency is monitoring us through the fluorescent lights in this room. The CIA is everywhere, so be careful what you say." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it validates the patient's feelings without directly challenging their delusion. By acknowledging the patient's concern about privacy, the nurse shows empathy and maintains a therapeutic relationship. Choice A avoids addressing the patient's underlying fear and may be dismissive. Choice C provides factual information but does not address the patient's emotional needs. Choice D uses confrontational language and may increase the patient's distress by labeling their belief as a symptom of illness. Overall, option B demonstrates empathy and builds rapport with the patient, which is crucial in providing effective care for individuals with schizophrenia.
Question 8 of 9
Which activity is most appropriate for a child with ADHD?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Tennis. Physical activities like tennis are beneficial for children with ADHD as they help release excess energy and improve focus. Tennis involves physical movement, coordination, and strategy, which can enhance concentration and self-regulation skills. Reading an adventure novel (A) may be too sedentary for a child with ADHD, limiting their ability to focus. Monopoly (B) and Checkers (C) are good for cognitive development but may not provide enough physical activity to help manage ADHD symptoms effectively. Tennis, on the other hand, offers a combination of physical exercise and mental engagement, making it the most appropriate choice for a child with ADHD.
Question 9 of 9
On an inpatient locked psychiatric unit, a newly admitted client requests to leave against medical advice (AMA). What should be the initial nursing action for this client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct initial nursing action for a client wanting to leave against medical advice from an inpatient locked psychiatric unit is to check the client's admission status and discuss the reasons for wanting to leave (Choice B). This approach allows the nurse to assess the client's mental status, risk factors, and reasons for wanting to leave, which are essential for providing appropriate care and interventions. By understanding the client's perspective and concerns, the nurse can work collaboratively with the client to address underlying issues and potentially prevent harm. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not prioritize understanding the client's reasons for wanting to leave or assessing the client's mental status and risk factors. Choice A dismisses the client's request without exploring the underlying issues. Choice C focuses on punitive measures rather than therapeutic communication. Choice D, placing the client on one-on-one observation, does not address the client's concerns or reasons for wanting to leave.